Students sat down to take the required state FCAT test.
Then, at least 6 local school districts were unable to test... 5th, 7th, 9th graders. "Suspend testing", they were told.
Tampa Bay, Florida -- School districts throughout the state had their state testing suspended Tuesday due to problems logging into the Florida comprehensive exams, known as the FCAT. Six local districts were affected: Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Manatee, Pasco and Polk have all stopped testing.
The company that provides the software, Pearson Inc., failed to allow students to begin their math and reading exams. In Pasco, it directly affected 5th graders taking math tests and 7th and 9th graders taking reading tests.
As a result, Governor Rick Scott called for action.
"Our students have studied hard, parents have pushed them. It's unacceptable," said Gov. Scott. "I know the Department of Education is looking into it. They are going to hold the company accountable. It's unacceptable and they are going to do all they can to make sure this wrong is corrected."
The president of the Department of Education sent out this statement:
"Today's computer problems associated with administering the FCAT test-- prove yet again-- that the state is not prepared for such a large undertaking. This should be a *teachable moment* for The Florida Department of Education as they enter a new era of testing next year: Slow down, make sure every aspect of the testing program works, involve teachers and administrators in this massive undertaking and get it right."
MORE:10 Investigates past problems with FCAT company
Linda Cobbe, the communications director at Pasco County Schools, says she's worried the failure of the FCAT will impact students' results.
"When the results come in we will be looking at the individual students to compare not only how they performed in the past, but how their cohort performed this year," said Cobbe.
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/education/2014/04/22/fcat-florida-school-suspended/8021415/
